A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care.
The Red Cross collected more than 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply. During this period, about 1,350 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away.
“Many people may not realize that blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “When donations decline – as they did around the holidays and may further decline if severe winter weather and flu season pick up – lifesaving medical treatments could be delayed.”
Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand, well below the ideal five-day supply needed to respond to emergencies and daily hospital needs. Blood products are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
“We hope people can resolve to save lives now – when there is an emergency need – as well as throughout the year,” added Numark.
All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients.
Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
To donate, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
Upcoming dates to donate blood in the north and east San Fernando Valley (through Feb. 15):
GRANADA HILLS
Jan.18, 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Boulevard; Jan. 20, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Euphrasia Catholic Church, 11766 Shoshone Avenue; Jan. 21, 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Boulevard; 2/9/2019: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Boulevard; Feb. 15, 11:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Granada Hills Pavillion, 11128 Balboa Boulevard.
MISSION HILLS
Jan. 17, 17 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Galpin Honda, 11151 Laurel Canyon Boulevard; Jan. 22, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department, 11121 N. Sepulveda Boulevard.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
Jan. 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., James Madison Middle School, 13000 Hart Street.
PACOIMA
Jan. 22, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., LAPD, 12760 Osborne Street; Jan. 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pacoima Branch Library, 13605 Van Nuys Boulevard.
PANORAMA CITY
Jan. 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Panorama City American Legion Hall, 13553 Reedley Avenue; Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., LAPD Valley Traffic Division, 7870 Nollan Place; Feb. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Panorama City American Legion Hall, 13553 Reedley Avenue; Feb. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 14061 Roscoe Boulevard.
RESEDA
Jan. 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department, 19020 Vanowen Street; Feb. 6,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Magnolia Science Academy, 18238 Sherman Way.
VALLEY GLEN
Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Los Angeles Valley College Monarch Hall, 5800 Fulton Avenue.
VAN NUYS
Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Casa Loma College, 6725 Kester Avenue; Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Daniel Pearl Magnet High School, 6649 Balboa Boulevard.